Built away from the main block of classrooms, the Junior School was a significant development for Kingswood College.

Its design came from extensive research and was based on an open classroom concept with mobile room dividers, a conversation pit, withdrawal spaces, a gymnasium and a library.

Michael Norman, and head of Junior School Ian Hargrave, wanted a space that enabled teachers to work together, complement their skills and teach either cooperatively or individually.

Norman said at the time: ‘Every child feels the need to be secure, but he feels the need to be adventurous too. He needs rules and excitement if he’s going to grow.’

The building’s design was lauded as an outstanding success and officially opened in 1971 by popular children’s writer and former student Ivan Southall.